Machine tool t-slot protective device

ABSTRACT

An elongated T-slot protection device comprising an elongated member having a body, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of legs. The protection device is placeable into an elongated opening of a T-slot, and covers the elongated opening to prevent debris from entering the T-slot formed in a work surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular work holding systems. Themodular work holding systems serve to affix a workpiece to a machinetool. The modular work holding system is adapted to accept a pluralityof clamping tools, and may optionally be secured to a standard T-slottable, to reversibly and immovably hold a workpiece for machiningoperations.

BACKGROUND

The manufacturing industry relies on various methods for producingproducts according to the products engineer's design. These products areoften made with machinery, utilizing manufacturing techniques including,for example, injection molding, additive manufacturing, such as 3dprinting, or subtractive manufacturing, such as computer numericalcontrol (“CNC”) milling or turning. For example, in the production of aninjection molded component, typically, such components are produced asfollows: the products engineer's concept is recorded, for example using3D modeling or CAD software, then the product, or components thereof, ismanufactured according to the model using manufacturing techniques, forexample, those mentioned above. Typically, molds for injection moldingare created through subtractive manufacturing, such as machining themolds to form a negative form of the injection molded product orcomponent. The machines commonly employed for the machining are CNCmilling machines, which along with the necessary tooling, are a largeexpense to a company wishing to enter into manufacturing. In order tostay in business, companies must be innovative and efficient inproducing products, therefore, time and quality are often the drivingfactors in success.

CNC machinery, including, for example, computer controlled mills andlathes, provide enhanced speed and accuracy, relative to othermanufacturing techniques, and therefore may beneficially reduce theamount of time required to manufacture products and increase the qualityof the resulting products. In order to provide these benefits, themachine tool itself should be of high quality, but even the best machinetool is only as good as the work holding solution chosen, as a workholding solution that is inadequate may not precisely hold thecomponents in position during the work, or may require a significantamount of time to properly secure and/or remove the work piece withinthe holding components, and therefore prohibits fast, and flexiblesecurement and removal of the work to be held, resulting in a lengthypreparation, or time required to turn around the machine for additionalwork. The industry standard for machine tools is to provide what arereferred to as “T-Slot” tables, having a given number, normally three tofive, of grooved slots aligned in parallel along one direction, commonlyreferred to as the “X axis.” These T-Slots of the conventional workholding systems, when used with clamps as known to those skilled in theart, while effective in holding basic shapes or other workpiece holdingapparatus, (e.g., vises), are limited in what they can offer for thecomplex and varied nature of machined parts geometry. Whether themachine tool is manually operated, or CNC operated, a basic three tofive groove T-slot table is the industry standard on almost all millingmachines.

Given the limited number (e.g., 3-5) of working grooves aligned along asingle axis, as is typically provided to choose from when attempting tosecure a workpiece, custom work holding is often created as the bettermeans to secure a workpiece, as there can be infinite flexibilityafforded when custom designing a work hold for a specific application,however, such custom application is typically useful for only thatapplication. When a part is requested to be made, many factors come intothe cost of producing said workpiece. A company offering their servicesto machine these parts for a customer must carefully consider how theywill approach not only the tooling that will be needed, but also thecutting strategy, the machine tool itself, and often times mostimportantly, the most efficient way of holding said part securely.

The majority of workpieces begin as cylindrical or prismatic forms,typically one of a cylindrical, cubed, or rectangular prism shape of agiven material, often referred to as a blank. The blank is to be shapedby what is referred to as turning or milling, progressively cutting awaymaterial from the blank, until the desired shape is achieved. Manyworkpieces are difficult to secure because of their nature; for example,the workpieces may be thin walled and delicate which can lead todistorting the finished part from clamping forces exceeding thematerial's properties. Parts that are very small, or having a lowprofile (i.e., height dimension), can interfere with the traditionalmachining process, as such workpieces present a challenge in securingthe workpiece, as it may be difficult to restrain such a workpiece in away that a cutting tool will not collide with the work holding clamps.The part may be dislodged with such a collision, or the machining forcesmay pull the workpiece free of the work holding, both of which areundesired. It is also very costly to repair a machine tool which may bedamaged by such a collision.

Frequently, parts must be machined to extremely tight dimensionaltolerances to attain their final desired use; thus necessitating a workholding system that is capable of securing the workpiece, withoutdistorting the final shape. When analyzing the cost of producing a partmany factors are considered, such as the quantity of parts. It is oftentoo expensive and time consuming to create custom work holding for a lowquantity of parts. An engineer wishing to have their parts manufacturedwill often send out multiple quote requests from different manufacturerswho are capable of producing said parts. If a part is requested in aquantity of one, some manufactures will simply refuse to quote lowvolumes, as they cannot produce the part cost efficiently. Often timesthis is because the custom work holding required will cost many timesmore than a single part to produce.

This leads to the manufacturer who does receive the part order trying tocome up with a way to produce it efficiently, and often times makeslittle to no profit. The part needs to be produced, and the manufacturerneeds work to pay for a machine tool that can cost many thousands ofdollars. Even with quantities of fifty to one hundred parts, often timesthe return on investment of building dedicated custom work holding for aparticular job will take many repeat orders to recoup the cost.

Accordingly, there is a need for flexible system for holding workpieces,where the work holding system is capable of rapid adjustment, andtherefore can quickly be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety ofshapes, sizes and materials to be held in the work holding system. Thereis further a need for a modular machine tool work holding system thatallows the use of one or more clamping devices, and is capable of beingused with a several embodiments of clamping devices, useful forimmovably securing a work piece for machining.

With such a modular work holding system, a machinist or programmer cananalyze the work to be done and apply the modular work holding system,to efficiently and effectively hold a workpiece. Furthermore, multipleblanks may be processed, as the machining work can be repeated bypositioning the workpiece or workpieces to a known reference location onthe base plate. The work holding system may be adapted to what iscommonly referred to as a lathe in a horizontal or verticalconfiguration, as well as a mill in a horizontal or verticalconfiguration. The various base plate embodiments and the embodiments ofthe clamping units described herein can hold a variety of shapes andsizes that would otherwise require dedicated custom work holding.

SUMMARY

In view of the aforementioned shortcomings, an object of the invention,among others, is to provide a work holding system that is flexible inthe shapes, sizes and materials the work holding system is able toaccommodate. Additionally, the work holding system described hereinallows rapid changes to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes, andis not limited to holding a single application shape. Additionally, inan embodiment, a work holding system should be capable of securelyholding the work piece, and further providing reliable known referencepoints that allow reproducible production of multiple blanks, accordingto the teachings herein. The work holding systems described herein mayutilize various forms of clamping devices described herein. The workholding system may comprise a base plate, providing a plurality ofT-slots aligned along a plurality of axes lying in a plane, where eachT-slot is aligned along an axis. In an embodiment, the base plate may beaffixed to a T-slot table on a machine. In another embodiment, the baseplate may replace the standard T-slot table on a machine.

In one exemplary embodiment, the invention comprises a base plate havinga plurality of T-slot shaped grooves running on what are referred to asthe X axis and Y axis. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, theinvention comprises a plurality of T-slot shaped grooves running on axesarranged radially in a round configuration. The object of the inventionis to support affixing a workpiece immovably to the base plate. In anembodiment, the object of the invention may also be to affix anembodiment of a base plate immovably to the machine tool table. The workholding system may utilize one or more clamp embodiments. The variousclamp embodiments may provide high holding forces, or progressivepressure, as appropriate, and may depend upon the strength of the partto be machined and its physical properties. The work holding systemsdescribed herein may provide the capability of holding a workpiece onits inside or outside periphery, or both at the same time. The workholding systems described herein may provide a means of securing a widevariety of blanks and workpiece shapes, from traditionally shapedrectangular prism workpieces, to thin walled, delicate workpieces havingdimensions that would be difficult to secure with previously knownclamping mechanisms, such as ring-shaped, or non-linearly facedworkpieces that otherwise would require a custom solution on a per partbasis. For example, in an embodiment, the work holding system mayprovide one or more pivoting clamps that are free from the constraintsof conventional unidirectional clamping. The pivoting clamps can hold avast array of workpiece geometries without the need to create specialwork holding on an individual part basis. Additionally, the workholdingsystem may provide one or more wedge clamps that utilize a downwardforce applied by a fastener, which is translated into securing againstand pulling down of the workpiece against the worksurface.

Furthermore, the embodiments described herein provide for work stopsthat allow for repeatable positioning of workpieces that can be appliedbefore or after the workpiece is affixed to the base plate, work stopsthat can also be machined as an integral part of the work holdingsystem. Said work stops are a time saving feature of this work holdingsystem that are often required to be custom machined as an integral partof other work holding methods, such as building what is referred to as afixture.

Still further, the embodiments described herein provide for T-slotprotectors that can be inserted into a T-slot groove, to keep what arecommonly referred to as swarf or chips in the machining process fromentering the grooves within the base plate's top surface, which isundesirable. Swarf that enters a T-slot can prevent further positioningof clamping units and impedes production, and must be cleaned out forfurther use, which can be laborious and time-consuming. Additional timesavings in machining workpieces can be achieved through the use ofvarious embodiments described herein combined with zero-point clampingfor repeatable interchange of base plates to increase productivity. Amodular system that allows for affixing a multitude of otherwisedifficult and time consuming to secure workpieces.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an elongatedT-slot protective device is provided having an elongated form,presenting a member having a body, a pair of sidewalls and a pair oflegs. The protective device may be placed into an elongated opening of at-slot, and may cover the elongated opening to prevent debris fromentering the T-slot formed in a work surface.

In an embodiment, the elongated T-slot protective device has a body thathas an upper surface with a concave profile. The protective device mayalso have a pair of substantially planar sidewalls terminating in anupper radiused surface and a lower radiused surface, and each of thepair of legs are separated by a concave undersurface. The concaveprofile of the upper surface presents a first radius of curvature, andthe concave undersurface presents a second radius of curvature that issmaller than the first radius of curvature.

In an embodiment, each of the upper and lower radiused surfaces of theprotective device may extend laterally beyond a plane defined by thepair of substantially planar sidewalls. The lower radiused surface maythen engage an inside surface of the T-slot that is perpendicular to thepair of sidewalls of the protective device.

In an embodiment, the T-slot has a pair of upper surface chamfers,located at the juncture of the T-slot and the work surface, and theupper radiused surfaces of the protective device may abut against atleast one of the pair of upper surface chamfers, without extending abovethe plane of the T-slot work surface. The upper radiused surface maythen serve to prevent over-insertion of the protective device into theT-slot.

In an embodiment, the protective device has a pair sidewalls that arecompressible, whereupon each of the legs that make up the pair of legsare urged toward each other. The elongated T-slot protective device maybe directed into the T-slot through a linear opening at the top of theT-slot while in a compresses state, whereupon the protective device mayresiliently seek to spring back from the compressed state, securing theprotective device, so that it may removably reside within the T-slot ina friction fit manner.

In an embodiment, the elongated T-slot protective device is an elongatedextruded member is deformable. The elongated extruded form may have alength that is readily adjustable by hand, and may be readily adjustableby the use of simple tools, such as a cutting blade and scissors.

In an embodiment, the elongated T-slot protective device may be anextruded material. In an embodiment, the elongated T-slot protectivedevice is a material that is one of silicone rubber, latex, natural orvulcanized rubber, neoprene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate,nylon, polytetrafluorothylene, polyetheretherketone, polyoxymethylene,or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

In an embodiment, the elongated T-slot protection device may conform todimensions of both the T-slot having imperial dimensions and metricdimensions.

In an embodiment, the elongated T-slot protection device may furtherhave a temperature resistant strip, or a temperature or chemicallyresistant coating, such as a fluoroelastomer coating, that is bonded toa top surface of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein may be better understood by referring to thefollowing description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich like reference numerals indicate identically or functionallysimilar elements, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the workholding system in a round configuration depicting various exemplaryembodiments of clamps positioned within a plurality of T-slots, andaffixed to a machine tool table;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a base platein a square configuration with a plurality of T-slot grooves aligned onthe X axis, as well as grooves aligned on the Y axis, various exemplaryembodiments of clamps positioned within a plurality of T-slots aredepicted, with the base plate affixed to a machine tool table; andfurther depicts a partial enlarged view of the base plate embodiment,and various clamp embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the base plate ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary embodiment ofthe work holding system and components of FIG. 4, and further depicts anembodiment of zero-point clamping provisions for mounting the workholding system to a machine tool table;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a workholding system depicting an exemplary embodiment of serrated hardenedjaw configuration clamps suitable for use with the work holding system,and holding a workpiece securely on the base plate;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a workholding system depicting an exemplary embodiment of clamps suitable foruse with the work holding system, and holding a workpiece bothinternally and externally for finishing operations;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a workholding system depicting an embodiment of clamps in low-profileconfiguration and holding a workpiece by a small margin to allow amilling cutter to pass unobstructed over the workpiece;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a workholding system depicting a round base plate configuration to holdmultiple round workpieces, as well as depicting the use of an embodimentof a T-slot chip guard;

FIG. 11A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a work holdingsystem depicting a round base plate holding a workpiece externally;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a workholding system depicting the round base plate adapted to be held in ahorizontal lathe application;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an operator tending to what is referredto as a pallet changing horizontal mill, configured to efficientlyreplace finished parts with parts in a rough state, where the parts aremounted on exemplary embodiments of the workholding system depicting aplurality of rectangular base plates;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of exemplary embodiments of a workholding system mounted to a tombstone on a horizontal mill, configuredto hold multiple base plates, and further depicting an exemplaryembodiment of a clamp as a pivot clamp configured to secure a triangularshaped workpiece, and further depicting an exemplary embodiment of workstops, for repeatable machining;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a round baseplate having a plurality of T-slots, as depicted herein, the T-slots arearranged in pairs radially about the center of the base plate in aneight-sided configuration of the round base plate;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the round base plate of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a round base platehaving a plurality of T-slots, as depicted herein, the T-slots arearranged in pair radially about the center of the base plate in asix-sided configuration of the round base plate;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a round base platehaving a plurality of T-slots, as depicted herein, the T-slots arearranged as a combination of pairs, and single slots, arranged radiallyabout the center of the base plate, in a four-sided configuration; inthis embodiment the single T-slots are configured between each doubleT-slot, and further depicting various exemplary embodiments of clampspositioned within a plurality of T-slots;

FIG. 18A is an assembled perspective view of the manually activated hardjaw clamp referenced as embodiment 600A;

FIG. 18B is an exploded perspective view of the manually activated hardjaw clamp of 18A;

FIG. 19 indicates the directional perspective of the hard jaw clampreferenced as embodiment 600A, in an unclamped state;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp embodiment depictedin FIG. 19, shown secured in a T-slot, and in a clamped state;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the exemplary clamp embodiment depicted inFIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the exemplary clamp embodiment depicted in FIG.21;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the exemplary clamp embodiment depicted inFIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a side view of an exemplary clamp embodiment, depicted as amanually activated hard jaw clamp, shown in a clamped state, and mountedto a base plate portion;

FIG. 26 is a side view of an exemplary clamp embodiment, depicted asmanually activated smooth faced, soft or machinable jaw clamp, shown ina clamped state and mounted to a base plate portion;

FIG. 27 is a side view of an exemplary clamp embodiment, depicted asmanually activated low profile jaw clamp, shown in a clamped state andmounted to a base plate portion;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG.25;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG.26;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG.27;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clampcomponent suitable for use with the workholding systems describedherein, as depicted, the clamp component is a manually activated, singleslot hard jaw clamp, shown secured in in a clamped state;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clampcomponent suitable for use with the workholding systems describedherein, as depicted, the clamp component is a pivoting clamp, as shownin partial section view residing in a T-slot;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of theclamp of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a right-side cross-sectional view of the exemplary clampembodiment of FIG. 33, depicted in a clamped state;

FIG. 35 is a right-side cross-sectional view of the exemplary clampembodiment of FIG. 33, depicted in an unclamped state;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG.33, depicting a pivoting clamp resting upon the t-slot surface and in aclamped and partially pivoted state;

FIG. 37 is a top view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG. 33,depicting a pivoting clamp demonstrating the rotational extents of thepivoting clamp;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of the exemplary clampembodiment of FIG. 33, depicting a pivoting clamp;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged top view of the exemplary clamp embodiment ofFIG. 33, depicting a pivoting clamp;

FIG. 40 is a back view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG. 33;

FIG. 41 is a top view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG. 33,depicted as a plurality of pivoting clamps secured in a plurality ofT-slots, the clamps cooperatively securing a workpiece of irregularshape;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a work-stopcomponent suitable for use with the workholding systems describedherein;

FIG. 43 is a front view of the work stop component of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a top view of the work stop component of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45A is a front view of the work stop component of FIG. 42,depicting its internal features;

FIG. 45B is an exploded front view of the work stop component of FIG.42;

FIG. 46 is a top view of the work stop components of FIG. 42 at variousstages of placement, and detailing one possible method of placement andsecurement of the work stop component in a T-slot;

FIG. 47 is a front view of the work stop component of FIG. 42, securedwithin a T-slot;

FIG. 48 is a perspective sectional view of the work stop components ofFIG. 42 at various stages of placement, and detailing one possiblemethod of placement and securement of the work stop component in aT-slot;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the work stop component of FIG. 42,depicted locating a workpiece for machining, and also demonstratingmilling of the work stop component while secured within the T-slot;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a T-slotchip guard suitable for use with the workholding systems describedherein;

FIG. 51 is a front view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50,depicted as residing within a T-slot;

FIG. 53 is a front view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50, depicted asresiding within a T-slot;

FIG. 54 is a bottom view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50,depicted as residing in a T-slot, and conforming to the T-slot shape;

FIG. 56 is a top view of the T-slot chip guards of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50,depicted as being manually compressed by pinching for placement;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50,depicted as demonstrating the ability to be installed within a T-slot,by being compressed for insertion into the T-slot;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50,depicted as demonstrating the ability to custom install to a T-slot withsimple tools;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the T-slot chip guard of FIG. 50,depicted with an optional bonded extreme temperature shielded layer.

It should be understood that the above-referenced drawings are notnecessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation ofvarious preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of thedisclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure,including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations,and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intendedapplication and use environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Asthose skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiment may bemodified in various different ways, all without departing from thespirit or scope of the present disclosure. Further, throughout thespecification, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing aparticular exemplary embodiment only and is not intended to be limitingof the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood thatthe terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference toembodiments of a modular machine tool workholding system. This inventionmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete and still fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art.

Referring now to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, amodular machine tool workholding system 1 as discussed herein, andgenerally shown in FIG. 1 may include some or all of the followingcomponents: a base plate 100 provided with a plurality of T-slots, andone or more clamp components suitable for securing a workpiece to a baseplate, where the clamp components may be secured to the base platewithin a T-slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more clampsprovided as part of the workholding system may be in the form of one ormore of the various clamp components described herein, for example, apivoting clamp 500, a serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600A and stop, asmooth faced, soft jaw wedge clamp 600B and stop, a low profile serratedhard jaw wedge clamp 600C and stop, and/or a single slot serrated hardjaw wedge clamp 600D. Though it is contemplated that the work holdingsystem may be employed with any of the clamps known by those skilled inthe art as suitable for use in clamping a workpiece, and secured withina T-slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the workholding system mayoptionally provide one or more of: a T-slot chip guard 200; and/or aT-slot work stop 300. The features and operation of these workholdingcomponents will be discussed below,

Now with reference to the exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-17,the modular machine tool workholding system 1 will be discussedreferencing a plurality of configurations.

As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, theremay be provided a round base plate embodiment of 100, the workholdingsystem embodiment depicted may have one or more of a clamp, a work stop,and/or a chip guard. The embodiment of the round base plate 100, asdepicted, provides a plurality of T-slots, shown here arranged as T-slotpairs, where each pair of T-slots are aligned radially about the centerof the round base plate. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the baseplate provides eight pairs of T-slots, though it is contemplated thatmore or less pairs of T-slots may be provided. Additionally, it iscontemplated that T-slots, as an alternative to paired T-slots, sets ofT-slots that are aligned in parallel may number more than 2; for examplea triple set of T-slots is contemplated, where a workholding element,such as clamp, can be deployed and secured within 3 parallel slotsaligned adjacently, such that the triple clamp embodiment would beconfigured to provide a greater clamping force relative to the clampingforce that can be applied by a unitary clamp that is secured within asingle T-slot, or even dual T-slots. Each of the T-slots are alignedalong an axis, with each of the T-slots comprising a pair being alignedalong parallel axes. As can be seen, in FIG. 2, each of the pairs ofT-slots are arranged radially, dividing the round base plate into equalsections, though it is contemplated that the round base plate mayalternatively be divided into unequal sections. In the embodiment shown,the T-slots pairs extend generally in a radial fashion outwards to theperimeter of the base plate, and are extended towards the center of theround base plate, but, as shown, each of the T-slots is terminated priorto intersecting with another adjacent T-slot. In another embodiment, itis contemplated that the T-slots may intersect adjacent T-slots, and itis further contemplated that the T-slots may extend completely acrossthe round base plate, having T-slot openings located at each of theouter edges of the round base plate, such that the axis the T-slot is inalignment with would form a chord of the round plate. As will bediscussed below, it is contemplated that one or more of the T-slotsprovided in the round base plate embodiment may extend through thecenter of the round base plate, along an axis that forms a diameter ofthe round base plate, or alternatively the T-slot may not extend fullyto the center, but may remain in alignment with an axis along thediameter of the circle.

In any of the embodiments having a base plate provided with a T-slot,the T-slot may have an opening (as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 1)where the T-slot encounters the edge, or each edge, as appropriate, ofthe base plate. Such a T-slot opening would present the same profile asthe length of the T-slot, and the opening allows components, such asclamp components, work stops, chip guards, and T-nuts, for example, tobe directed into the T-slot through the T-slot opening.

As shown in FIG. 1, one or more base plate securing fasteners 810, asmay be known in the art, may be provided to secure the base plate 100 toa work surface, depicted here as T-slot table 900. As shown in FIG. 3,the fasteners may be in the form of a cap screw or other threadedfastener providing a threaded body and a head as known in the art. In anembodiment, the base plate securing fasteners 810 are threaded into aT-nut 800 that has been inserted into the slots of the table 900.Alternatively, the base plate securing fasteners 810 may be threadeddirectly into a correspondingly threaded receiving hole (not shown)within the table 900, or the base plate securing fasteners 810 mayextend through the table 900, and threaded into a corresponding nutcomponent that may be tightened against the underside of the table 900,to secure the base plate 100 against the table 900. The variouscomponents that may beneficially be provided as part of the workholdingsystem are shown in exploded perspective view, in FIG. 3, and thedetails of the various components, such as various forms of clamps(600A-D, 500), work stops 300, chip guards 200 will be discussed below.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment, depicted in FIGS. 4-6, there isdepicted a rectangular embodiment of a base plate 100, providing aplurality of T-slot grooves aligned along multiple axes. In thisembodiment, the base plate is depicted as a square, but it iscontemplated that alternate sizes and shapes of base plates may beprovided. As depicted in FIG. 4, the slots provided may be in alignmentwith either an X or Y axis, that are perpendicular to each other ascommonly understood, in the plane of the base plate. It is contemplatedthat alternative slot alignments are possible and may easily besubstituted for the depicted embodiments. For example, as was describedwith the round base plate embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, it is contemplatedthat the square base plate may be provided with T-slots or T-slot pairsextending radially from a center point of the base plate. Similarly, theround base plate embodiment may alternatively be provided with aplurality of T-slots that are in alignment with the X- or Y-axis, thatare perpendicular to each other, simply by overlaying the slot patterndepicted in FIG. 4 onto the round base plate.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the inclusion of T-slots aligned with the X and Yaxis provides the benefit of increasing the indexing locations andorientations (e.g. by being aligned along either axis) suitable forplacement of the clamping devices, in order to secure a variety ofshaped workpieces. It should also be mentioned the spacing of the T-slotgrooves is denser than is typically found on machine tables providingT-slot grooves, thereby adding functionality, as the allows more refinedplacement of clamps or other components on the base plate. The increasein T-slot density can be seen by comparing the spacing between parallelslots on the base plate 100 of FIG. 4, relative to the spacing betweenthe T-slots on the table 900. It is contemplated that multiple baseplates may be joined together, or secured near, or adjacent to eachother on the machine T-slot table surface 900, thereby serving to covermore of the machine table surface, and increasing the area of the worksurface available for the work holding system.

Referring now to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, amodular machine tool workholding system 1 as discussed herein, andgenerally shown in FIG. 4-6 may include some or all of the followingcomponents: a base plate 100 provided with a plurality of T-slotsaligned along perpendicular axes “X” and “Y” as is commonly understoodin the industry, and one or more clamp components suitable for securinga workpiece to the base plate, where the clamp components may be securedto the base plate within a T-slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the oneor more clamps provided as part of the workholding system may be in theform of one or more of the various clamp components described herein,for example, a pivoting clamp 500, a serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600Aand stop, a smooth faced, soft jaw wedge clamp 600B and stop, a lowprofile serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600C and stop, and/or a singleslot serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600D. Though it is contemplated thatthe work holding system may be employed with any of the clamps known bythose skilled in the art as suitable for use in clamping a workpiece,and secured within a T-slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the workholdingsystem may optionally provide one or more of: a T-slot chip guard 200;and/or a T-slot work stop 300.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, a square embodiment of base plate 100 isdepicted as having fastener receiving base plate securing fastenerthrough-holes 1100. The fastener receiving through-holes 1100 asdepicted in FIG. 6 provide an optional means of applying zero-pointclamps 1100, as generally understood by those skilled in the art. Zeropoint clamps provide a clamp mechanism that will simultaneously locatethe clamped element precisely, and allowing rapid and accurate componentexchanges, such as replacing a base plate with another base plate, wherethere is a need for the plates to be precisely clamped in the samelocation on one or more machines for processing. Alternatively, or incombination with zero point clamps 1100, the use of docking rings andpins 1000 can be used to securely locate base plate 100 to a sub-plate700 which can be temporarily fixed to, or permanently fixed to themachine tool's table, utilizing fasteners as previously described, oralternatively, using fasteners that fit through clamping elements togrip the edge of the sub-plate 700, as can be seen in FIGS. 4-6. The useof locating devices, alone or in combination can provide repeatablerelocation of the assembly for off-line loading of workpieces, ormachining of workpieces in stages on multiple machines, thereby furtherincreasing production and preserving quality of the machining.

The use of the work holding system is shown in the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 7, having a round base plate 100 and a plurality ofclamp components. In this exemplary embodiment, the serrated hard jawwedge clamp 600A is depicted securing a workpiece 1500, though it iscontemplated that alternative clamp embodiments may be utilizedsimilarly, so long as the workpiece 1500 is held securely in place formachining. As taught in FIG. 1, the round base plate may be secured to aslot table of a CNC machine. The workpiece 1500 depicted in FIG. 7 is ofround exterior shape, and shown having been secured with five clampsdepicted, though another 3 clamps would be hidden behind the workpiece,hidden by the perspective view. Thus, the workpiece would be clamping at8 points equally spaced around the perimeter of the workpiece.Traditionally, round workpieces as shown in FIG. 7 would be held with alathe chuck, as is generally known and understood in the industry, forprocessing on a machine. The use of the work holding system of FIG. 7may provide the benefit of securing a large diameter workpiece, byemploying a plurality of any of the clamp components described herein toclamp against the exterior surface, and optionally, against an interiorsurface of the round workpiece. In contrast, the use of a traditionallathe chuck to secure such a workpiece would limit the size of theworkpiece that can be clamped, as a lathe chuck is a complex mechanismfor holding round workpieces and often limited in its dimensionalcapacity, due to the complexity and cost of manufacturing a large lathechuck. Furthermore, producing a lathe chuck that provides eight or morejaw stations, to match the number of clamping locations as shown in FIG.7, on a round workpiece of a large diameter, is even more unrealistic inmanufacturing, due to the complexity and cost of manufacturing a chuckincorporating eight jaws.

The use of the work holding system is shown in the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 8, having a round base plate 100 and a plurality ofclamp components. In this exemplary embodiment, there is depicted aplurality of soft jaw wedge clamps 600B and respective stops fastenedwithin T-slots, securing a workpiece 1500 to a round base plate 100;though it is contemplated that alternative clamp embodiments may beutilized similarly, so long as the workpiece 1500 is held securely inplace for machining. As taught in FIG. 1, the round base plate may besecured to a T-slot table of a CNC machine. In the depicted embodimentof FIG. 8, the workpiece 1500 is a large diameter ring that has a thinwall in relation to its size, as well as being split 1502, and securedtogether within the plurality of soft jaw clamps 600B. It is preferredto hold such a ring shaped workpiece 1500, having a relatively thiswall, relative to its size, at as many points of contact as possible,and further provide stops for the clamps to press against, so as tominimize distortion of the workpiece dimensions, as a thin-walledworkpiece, when clamped by traditional clamping techniques would tend todistort or dent easily, analogous to grasping an aluminum beverage cantoo tightly, and creating a dent or distortion in the sidewall. Theembodiment of a soft jaw clamp 600B and stop, depicted in FIG. 8, mayoptionally be machined to take on the profile that accommodates theshape of the work piece. The machined clamp profile is most evident inthe left and right most clamps in FIG. 8, due to the perspective view,but it is contemplated that machining all of the clamps to thecorresponding profile of the workpiece would allow the clamps to securethe workiece without creating distortion in the workpiece when clamped,as would tend to occur where a flat faced clamp is securing a round,thin wall workpiece as shown. Such a machinable clamp component may bemade of a material suitable for machining, such as aluminum, or steel,or brass. By providing a soft jaw wedge clamp 600B with jaws that havebeen machined to match the rings finished inner and outer diameters,contact can be achieved sufficient in maintaining the ring's roundnesswhen applying high holding forces to secure it in place. Additionally,the workpiece 1500 is secured on both internal and external dimensionsover the area that encompasses the split 1502 in the workpiece, therebyensuring that there is no opportunity for the workpiece portionsadjacent to, and on opposite sides of the split 1502 to move relative toeach other.

The use of the work holding system is shown in the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 9 having a round base plate 100, and a plurality ofclamp components. In this exemplary embodiment, there is depicted aplurality of low profile serrated hard jaw wedge clamps 600C fastenedwithin T-slots in the base plate, and securing a large diameterworkpiece 1500 depicted as a large round, plate, presenting a shortsidewall. As depicted in FIG. 9, the workpiece is to be machined inorder to reduce its thickness, in a process referred to as “facing”,that requires the milling of the entirety of the upper surface. This istypically very difficult without the use of a specialized form of chuckthat uses vacuum, which are generally known in the industry, to securethe workpiece, where the workpiece is of nonmagnetic materials, as thecutting tool must pass beyond the outer diameter of the workpiece,without contacting the work holding. As depicted in FIG. 9, the clamps600C are of a low profile, where the clamp is able to be secured againstthe lower portion of the workpiece, and the bulk of the clamp is setbacksomewhat from the workpiece, in order to provide the needed clearancefor machining the entirety of the face of the workpiece. A descriptionof the low profile clamp will be provided below.

The use of the work holding system is shown in the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 10 having a round base plate 100, and a plurality ofclamp components securing a plurality of small diameter workpieces 1500on the round base plate 100. In this exemplary embodiment, there aredepicted several workpieces, each having been secured by a serrated hardjaw wedge clamp 600A and respective stops 600, each having been fastenedwithin T-slots of the base plate, and tightened against the workpiecesto hold each in place for milling. It is contemplated that multipleclamps or varieties of clamps may be utilized to secure any of themultiple workpieces on the base plate. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 10, the use of a T-slot chip guard 200 as a means of preventingswarf entering the T-slot grooves is depicted. As shown, the use of chipguards will greatly facilitate the post-processing clean up, or thepreparation of the base plate for additional work, as the cuttings fromthe milling (“swarf”) will be prevented from entering into the T-slots,and may be easily removed from the base plate surface, using anytechnique known to those skilled in the art, including the use ofbrushes, vacuum, or compressed air, as shown, for example. Additionaldetails on the chip guard will be provided below.

The exemplary embodiments of the work holding systems depicted in FIGS.7-10 are depicted has having a round base plate. It is contemplated thatsimply be replacing the round base plate with another form of baseplate, such as the rectangular base plate whether having radiallyaligned T-slots or T-slot pairs, or alternatively having T-slots alignedwith both the X and Y axes, the workpiece may be securely clamped usingany of the clamp forms taught herein, and secured for machining in asimilar fashion as has been described previously.

The use of the work holding system is shown in the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 11A having a round base plate 100, and a plurality ofclamp components securing a workpiece from the exterior direction. Byclamping the workpiece only from the exterior direction, the workpiecemay be turned or milled in the interior. As shown in FIG. 11B, theexemplary embodiment of the round base plate with T-slots arranged inradial pairs, as depicted in FIG. 11A, is shown being adapted for use ina horizontal lathe, where the round base plate embodiment 100 is fittedto a rotatable work surface, shown here as horizontal lathe having alathe chuck 900, and is thereby increasing the capacity of the lathe forholding large diameter workpieces for turning. It is common for a latheto be equipped with a chuck of a limited capacity, typically six to teninches in diameter and having a working range of twelve to twenty inchesof turning diameter. As discussed previously, increasingly largercapacity chucks are available at much greater additional cost andcomplexity, though not able to provide the flexibility and number ofclamping points relative to the various embodiments described herein.Holding a workpiece that is larger in diameter than the chuck that isused creates unsupported material overhanging the chucks body, which cancause vibration and deflection inherit in such unsupported work, and isundesirable. As depicted in FIG. 11b , the round base plate 100, as itis of a larger diameter than the chuck to which it is attached, when theworkpiece is secured to the round base plate with clamps, is able tosecurely hold the workpiece for milling, or turning, at dimensions thatexceed the chuck capacity, thereby effectively increasing thedimensional capacity of the lathe, compared to the use of the lathe withthe chuck alone.

The use of the work holding system is shown in the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 12-13, adapting a rectangular base plate 100 to aplurality of work surfaces, as represented in the horizontal millingmachine 900 as is known to those skilled in the art. The milling machine900, as depicted utilizes modular work support units, referred to astombstones. In use, the tombstones facilitate machining multipleworkpieces' faces by rotating about a rotary axis, such that multiplebase plates can be affixed to each of the faces of the tombstone. Amachine tool operator can repeatably position workpieces secured to baseplates for machining. The workpieces may be presented as blanks in theinitial state for machining to begin, and in a billet state, oralternatively may be mid-process (e.g., having been machined to anintermediate stage, and are to be presented for additional machining).The use of tombstones with a milling machine allows the user to placethe base plates and respective workpieces upon the multiple faces of thetombstones, from outside the machining envelope, so as to not interferewith continuous production. That is, while the milling machine head isengaged with the workpiece within the enclosed area of the machine, asshown, the user may offload, or load on other workpieces on base plates,without interrupting the milling operation.

The use of the work holding system on a tombstone is shown in theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 13 having a plurality ofrectangular base plates 100, and securing a plurality of workpieces 1500via clamp components. In this exemplary embodiment, there are depictedworkpieces positioned on each face of tombstone, having 4 faces, wherethe work pieces are positioned against a plurality of work stops 300secured within a T-slot. As depicted, the base plate mounted to thetombstone is provided with T-slot work stops 300 to position a workpiecewith three points of contact, aligning the bottom periphery of theworkpiece 1500 parallel to the machine's X axis with a pair of workstops provided below the workpiece, and a third work stop providing alocating function in a lateral direction, where the workpiece is urgedlaterally in the X direction against the work stop. In this manner, thework piece may be precisely located, such that milling may be performedrepeatedly, and preventing error due to mislocating of the workpiece.Furthermore, the workpieces may each be secured to the base plates byone or more clamps. Depicted in exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, is theuse of a plurality of pivoting clamps 500 to secure the workpiece. Thepivoting clamps are well suited for any shape work piece, as it is ableto accommodate and conform to a variety of angles presented by theworkpiece. As shown, the pivoting clamps are secured within T-slots,such that three pivoting clamps 500 are opposing one another on theinner periphery, shown here at 120° increments within the circularinterior of the work piece. Additionally, three pivoting clamps 500 areprovided on the workpiece's outside periphery, one against each side ofthe exterior triangular dimensions of the workpiece. It is contemplatedthat any of the clamp embodiments and workstops described herein may bebeneficially utilized in the embodiments utilizing a tombstone toincrease the production.

FIG. 13 specifically provides an example of a workpiece that wouldtypically require custom work holding to be created, as the geometry ofthe workpiece clamping surfaces are generally not in alignment with theX or Y axis, and the use of the pivoting clamps shown, along with themulti-axis arrangement of the T-slots allow a wider variety of shapedworkpieces to be secured than would otherwise be possible.

The various components that may be utilized in combination with one ormore base plates to form the modular workholding system are describedbelow. Along with the base plate(s), any of the following components maybe employed singly or as a plurality, and may further be utilized alone,or in combination with any one or more of the system componentsdescribed herein.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, there isdepicted a round base plate 100 configured having a plurality of pairsof radially aligned T-slots. As depicted, the round base plate 100features a center bore 102, which may serve as a reference edge forindicating a reference location on the base plate, or may be utilized toprobe the relationship between the machine's centerline in a latheapplication, or the true center of the base plate wherever it is placedin a mill application. Once this true position is known, computercontrolled movements may be calculated based on the known referencepoint location, or otherwise accounted for in manufacture of product. Asdepicted in this embodiment, the base plate 100 may be provided with aplurality of fastener receiving through holes 104 transverse to theupper surface 116 of the base plate 100, as a means to secure the baseplate 100 to a machine table, by drawing fasteners inserted through thefastener receiving through holes 104 tight to a T-nut (as shown in FIG.3). The round base plate features one or more T-slots, that areconfigured to accept a component having at least a portion correspondingto the “T” shape (in cross-section) in the element, so that it may beslidingly directed into the slot, where the T-slot has a first clearancewall 106 located adjacent to T-slot bottom surface 110, and a secondclearance wall 108 located adjacent to the upper surface 116, where thespacing between opposing first and second clearance walls is uniform, asa consequence of opposing clearance walls being substantially parallelto each other over the length of the slot. What is referenced as thebottom surface 110 of the T-slot is to be a determined, consistentdistance from the base plate's 100 working or upper surface 116, alongthe length of the slot. Optionally, the base plate may feature locationmarkings 112, such as numbering, lettering, or other locationidentification markings, based on the radial orientation of the pairedT-slots in the round base plate, divided as shown, in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 14, in 8 similarly sized sections. Such locationmarkings 112, if provided, may serve as a reference point, or otherwiseaid in identifying a location on the base plate 100, furthermore, themarkings may be useful to indicate the relation between a workpiece andthe work holding components. In an exemplary embodiment, concentriccircles 114, either in the form of surface markings (e.g. paint, orink), or dimensional features, such as etching, or engravings may beformed onto, or into, as appropriate, the upper surface 116. Theseconcentric circles may serve as a reference when centering a workpieceon the round base plate. A concentric outer edge 118 may serve tomaintain balance in operations where the base plate 100 will berotating. The round base plate may have a bottom surface 120 which is tobe flat and parallel to upper surface 116.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, there is depicted a top view ofthe round base plate shown in the exemplary embodiment of base plate 100of FIG. 14, having dual T-slot pairs arranged in eight stationconfiguration. It is contemplated that the dual T-slots may be uniformlydistributed radially about the round base plate, or may be non-uniformlydistributed, as appropriate, based on the milling needs sought by theuser. Furthermore, the T-slots as shown extend radially from a pointgenerally near the center bore of the base plate, and are configured notto intersect with adjacent slots, and extend out to the concentric outeredge 118, to provide a T-slot opening, into which one or morecorrespondingly shaped T-slot components (e.g., T-slot nut) may beinserted into the slot, and secured, as will be described.Alternatively, one or more of the T-slots may extend across the baseplate, wherein the axis that T-slot is aligned with forms a chord in theround base plate.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 16 there isdepicted an alternate embodiment of base plate 100. In this exemplaryembodiment, the round base plate 100 is provided in a six-stationconfiguration, having pairs of T-slots arranged radially about thecenter bore 102, in contrast to the eight station configurationdescribed with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 17 there isdepicted an embodiment of base plate 100, in a four-stationconfiguration, where the round base plate further provides four singleT-slots, arranged radially, in between each of the adjacent T-slotpairs. In this embodiment, the single T-slot is substantially similar tothe T-slots described previously, and is especially suited for acceptinga single slot serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600D, as shown.Alternatively, the single slot may receive one or more T-slot work stops300, or the pivoting clamp 500.

With reference to FIG. 18A, there is depicted an exemplary embodiment ofa wedge clamp. According to the teachings herein, a characteristic of awedge clamp is the providing of a pair of opposing inclined surfaces,such that as the inclined surfaces are caused to slide or move relativeto each other, the face of the clamp is caused to moved laterally, andvertically, when the clamp fixed body has been secured to a horizontalsurface, and the clamping forces are applied. Examples of wedge clamps,according to the teachings herein, include clamps embodiments 600A-600D.With reference to FIG. 18B, the exemplary wedge clamp is a serrated hardjaw wedge clamp corresponding to 600A, but the operation of the wedgeclamp components will be similar for the smooth faced, soft jaw wedgeclamp 600B, the low profile serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600C, and thesingle slot serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600D. The wedge clamps, in theexemplary embodiments shown, feature the following major components: afixed body 10, a sliding jaw 20, a plurality of fasteners 612, 804, 802,and one or more T-nuts 800. The wedge clamp of FIG. 18A, is depicted inexploded perspective view in FIG. 18B, for ease of understanding.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 18A and B, thefixed body 10 will now be discussed. The fixed body consists of aplurality of fastener receiving through holes 616 and 618, an inclinedsurface 606, a bottom surface 622, and a one or more tenons 610. Thefastener through holes 616 and 618 are shown extending through the fixedbody, transverse to the fixed body's top plane 604 and bottom surface622. The inclined surface 606 of the fixed body 10 is obtuse relative tothe fixed body's top plane 604. The bottom surface 622 of the fixed body10 is substantially parallel to the top plane 604, and furthermore isgenerally parallel to the upper surface 116 of the base plate 100 (ascan be seen in FIG. 1). The bottom surface 622 of the fixed body 10 maybe generally planar, other than the one or more optionally providedtenons 610 that may protrude beyond the plane of the bottom surface 622.The tenon(s) 610 may protrude in an orientation which would besubstantially parallel with the corresponding T-slot groove of the baseplate, and when secured to the base plate, the tenon 610 is intended toreside at least partially in the upper region of its respective T-slot.Through holes 616 and 618 are cylindrical in nature and extendcompletely through the fixed body, and securement fastener receivingthrough hole 618 accepts one or more of fasteners transverse to topsurface 604, which extend through the fixed body 10. Securement fastenerreceiving through hole 618 may be recessed below the fixed body's topsurface 604 to allow a fastener, for example, a cap screw fastener, torest below top surface 604, as such, through hole 618 may becounter-bored, as it is commonly referred to, to provide a low profileso as not to interfere with the milling equipment. The securementfastener receiving through hole 618 is not threaded, so as to allow thethreaded portion of the securement fastener to slidingly pass throughthe hole 618, until the head enters into, and bottoms out within thecounterbore. Clamping fastener receiving through hole 616 is transverseto resting surface 614 and extends completely through tenon 610.Clamping fastener receiving through holes 616 are threaded completelythere through to receive clamping fasteners 804, which may be provided,for example, as a cap screw. Inclined surface 606 is obtuse to restingsurface 614 and top surface 604. The inclined surface 606 maybeneficially be substantially hardened, and free of surfaceimperfections or deviations to ensure smooth operation of the clampingmechanism.

The sliding jaw 20 will now be discussed, with reference to FIG. 18B,the sliding jaw consists of a plurality of jack bolt fastener receivingthrough holes 620 extending through the sliding jaw 20, transverse tothe fixed body's top plane. A plurality of hardened serrations 602 maybe provided on the sliding jaw, at the face that would provide theclamping force against the workpiece (the “clamp face”). For variousclamp embodiments, for example, those clamps that are not hardened, theserrations may be absent, and a flat surface may be provided, which maybe further customized in any manner, as appropriate, to accommodate aspecific shape of work piece, as was discussed with reference to FIG. 8above. Where the clamp features the hardened serrations on the clampface, the serrations are generally uniform in nature, and form aclamping face that is transverse to the top surface 604 plane. Thesliding jaw 20 further provides a sliding inclined surface 608 that isconfigured to reside against, and be parallel to the inclined surface606 of the fixed body 10. One or more elongated slots or obroundopenings 624 may be provided, recessed below, or counter-bored into, thetop of the sliding jaw, in order to allow a plurality of clampingfasteners 804, which may be provided in an embodiment in the form of capscrews, to rest against the counterbored shoulder, and be recessed belowthe top of the sliding jaw upper surface. The elongated slot 624 is tobe substantially wider than the travel distance of sliding jaw 20, asthe clamping forces are applied and released, as will be discussedbelow. The sliding jaw 20 may also be provided with jack bolt fastenerreceiving through holes 620 extending there through, which may bethreaded to receive one or more jack bolt fasteners 612, which may be inthe form of set screws.

The fasteners will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 18B.Securement fasteners 802, which may be, in an embodiment, provided ascap screw fasteners, are to be directed through fixed body 10 andthreaded into a plurality of T-nuts 800. The securement fasteners 802are to be of an appropriate length so as not to protrude below thebottom plane of the T-nuts upon assembly. Clamping fasteners 804 whichmay be, in an embodiment, provided as cap screw fasteners, are to bedirected through obround 624, and received by and threaded into thefixed body 10 and the clamping fastener receiving through holes 616.Again, care must be taken to ensure the clamping fasteners are of anappropriate length so as to extend into fixed body 10 and its tenons 610upon assembly, but not so long as to encounter the bottom surface 110 ofthe T-slot. Jack bolt fasteners 612 are received by, and threaded intothe sliding jaw 20 and its through holes 620. Jack bolt fasteners 612are to be of an appropriate length so as capable of being flush, orrecessed within the sliding jaw dimensions, and not having to protrudebeyond the top or bottom plane of sliding jaw 20, for example, while theworkpiece is being processed by the machine.

Where the clamp is configured to be deployed using a single T-slot, itnecessarily will not have multiple elements that would be otherwiserequired were it to be configured to be deployed using a pair ofT-slots. For example, such a single slot clamp of 600D would have onlyone tenon 610, and only those fasteners and through holes required foruse with one T-nut to be secured within a single T-slot.

The above description has been describing a clamp that has a top surfacethat is substantially planar, and parallel to the base plate. It isrecognized that the top surface of the clamp sliding jaw or main bodymay not necessarily be planar or parallel to the base plate, in whichcase, the orientations of the through holes, fasteners would betransverse relative to the plane that would be the upper surface of thebase plate, rather than the top surface as described above.

The operation and manner of use of the wedge clamp embodiment depictedin FIGS. 18A and B will now be discussed. As before, the exemplaryembodiment of the FIG. 18 A is a serrated hard jaw wedge clamp (600A asshown, or alternatively as single slot 600D of FIG. 4), but any of theother wedge clamps described herein may be substituted as appropriatefor the machining conditions. The serrated jaw embodiment is meant tosecure workpieces in a blank, or rough state, where the serrations' biteinto the workpiece surface will not be detrimental to the finishedworkpiece surface. The non-serrated (e.g., smooth faced), soft jaw clamp(see 600B of FIG. 4), which may be machinable, and may be employed toclamp a workpiece, without causing markings or distortions in theworkpiece surface. For example, the soft jaw clamp may be machined tomirror the geometry, or otherwise correspond to the features of theworkpiece, such as presenting a negative form of the workpiece, and thusdistribute clamping forces over a greater percentage, even the entiresurface, of the clamp face, rather than concentrating the clamp forcesat only the leading edges of the serrations as would the serrated clampembodiments, or be limited to contact points where the clamp face doesnot correspond to the features of the workpiece. The low-profile clampvariation (see 600C of FIG. 4) is meant to be utilized in order toprovide additional tool clearance during the machining process. Oneskilled in the art should appreciate that the wedge clamp embodimentsdepicted herein are not limited to the examples provided. The basicprinciple described of applying each embodiment is common to eachembodiment herein.

In use the wedge clamps described herein, and with reference to FIG. 18B, the jack bolt fasteners 612, depicted here as set screws, would beturned so as to be applied to resting surface 614 of the fixed body 10,by advancing the jack bolt fasteners 612 downward through the jack boltfastener receiving through holes 620 in sliding jaw 20, and functionallyraising the sliding jaw 20 above the top surface 604 plane of the fixedbody 10 as depicted in FIG. 19. Such jack bolt fasteners 612 serve toraise the sliding jaw away from the resting surface 614. While in anunclamped state, the fixed body 10 would be positioned in closeproximity to the workpiece (e.g., within the forward throw distance ofthe clamp), so as to cause the serrated teeth 602 (or clamp face) ofsliding jaw 20 to be placed adjacent to, or come into contact with theworkpiece periphery. Securement fasteners 802 would be applied, whererotation of the securement fastener 802 causes the head to encounter thecounterbore, if any, in fixed body 10, and continued rotation of thefastener will draw the one or more T-nuts 800 upward within the T-slottrack, thereby immobilizing fixed body 10 as the base plate 100 bodywould be clamped by the clamping forces drawing each the fixed body 10and the T-nut 800 toward one another by the rotation of securementfastener 802. Jack bolt fasteners 612 would then be retracted from theresting surface 614 of the fixed body 10, and preferably retracted so asto fit entirely within the height dimension of the sliding jaw 20. Withthe jack bolt fasteners 612 drawn away from resting surface 614, thesliding jaw 20 would be free to move on the threaded body of theclamping fastener 804, without engaging the threads) as the clampingfastener is extended through a non-threaded, slotted opening or obround624 of the sliding jaw 20. Such movement may be in a vertical direction(along the length of the fastener body, and also in a lateral directionwithin the length of the slot 624. Clamping fasteners 804 would then beapplied or advanced into to fastener receiving threaded through holes616. As the clamping fasteners 804 are threaded further into the throughholes 616, the head of each clamping fastener 804, is drawn against thesliding jaw surface, or will bottom out within the counterbore, if anyis provided, in the sliding jaw 20, and would thereby draw the slidingjaw 20 downward as the clamping fasteners 804 are turned. As the slidingjaw is pulled downward by continued rotation of the clamping fasteners804, the inclined plane 608 of sliding jaw 20 contacts the parallelinclined plane of fixed body 10, defining a wedge slope. As can be seenwith reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, as the inclined plane of the slidingjaw rides against the inclined plane of the fixed body in a downwarddirection, a resulting downward and simultaneous forward clamping forcewould be created in the clamping face of the sliding jaw 20. This angleof the wedge slope formed by 608 of the sliding jaw 20, riding againstslope of the inclined surface 606 of the fixed body 10, in an embodimentapplies force in a positive downward thrust, exceeding the forward(advancing the clamping face against the workpiece) thrust in wedgeslope angles greater than 45°, relative to an angle of 0° of the tablework surface 900 or base plate 100 upper surface 116. This driving forcewill cause the hardened teeth 602 (or clamp face as appropriate) ofsliding jaw 20 to abut tightly against, or in the case of serratedteeth, to pierce or otherwise engage the periphery of the workpiece,effectively drawing the workpiece downward and as the clamp face isurged inward as well. This downward thrust on the workpiece iscounteracted by base plate 100 upper surface 116 (as shown in FIG. 14).A workstop or clamp stop (as seen with reference to FIG. 1), or opposingclamp or wedge clamps arranged to oppose the force on the workpiece,such as on a surface of the workpiece opposite to the clamp beingapplied, may be placed to assist in immobilizing the workpiece and allowfor secure machining. It is contemplated that multiple clamps may beutilized in concert, collectively applying compressive forces, andcounteracting each of the other clamps, so as to secure the workpiecefor machining, as can be seen with reference to, for example, FIGS. 8and 9.

It is contemplated that by varying the wedge slope of the clampembodiments (where each of the parallel planar surfaces 608 and 606 aresupplementary angles to each other, relative to the table planar surfaceextending in a line corresponding to 0° and 180°), the force vectorsapplied via the clamp face can be controlled. As mentioned above, wherethe wedge slope is 45 degrees, the clamp force will equally drawdownward on the work piece and advance towards the work piece. In anembodiment where more advancement of the clamp face is desirable,relative to the hold down force applied to the workpiece, the wedgeslope may be provided with an angle less than 45°. Alternatively, whereit is sought to apply more downward force to hold down the workpiece viathe clamp face, and provide relatively less forward clamping throw, thewedge slope may be provided with an angle greater than 45°. In anembodiment, the wedge slope is provided having an upper range of: lessthan or equal to 75°, less than or equal to 60°, less than or equal to55°, less than or equal to 50°, less than or equal to 45°, less than orequal to 40°, less than or equal to 35°, less than or equal to 30°, lessthan or equal to 25°; and having a lower range of: at least or equal to15°, at least or equal to 30°, at least or equal to 20°, at least orequal to 25°, at least or equal to 30°, at least or equal to 35°, atleast or equal to 40°, at least or equal to 45°, at least or equal to50°, at least or equal to 55°, at least or equal to 60°, at least orequal to 65°.

Further depictions of the mechanical wedge clamp of the exemplaryembodiment depicted in FIG. 18A and B, are found with reference to theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 20 provides aside cross-sectional view of the wedge clamp as depicted in FIG. 19.This cross section view of the exemplary wedge clamp embodiment depictsthe clamp in an unclamped state residing within a t-slot. Fixed body 10can be seen immobilized through the application of securement fasteners802 into T-nuts 800, which are within a T-slot in the table 900. Asdepicted, there is provided substantial clearance, as can be seen belowsliding jaw 20 providing space for sliding jaw 20 to move downward andforward as parallel inclined surfaces 606 and 608 interact.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIG. 21, an exemplary embodiment of awedge clamp is depicted so as to illustrate the wedge clamp embodimentsecured in a T-slot and in a state where it may be clamping against aworkpiece. In this exemplary embodiment, the surface of the table 900 isrepresentative of a flat plane for bottom surface 622 of the wedge clampembodiment to locate against. These surfaces are to be substantiallyparallel. A tenon 610 may be positioned between T-slot sidewall surfaces108, in the upper region of the T-slot. Restraining surface 902 withinthe T-slot is configured to retain a T-nut 800 from being pulled upwardthrough the T-slot. Bottom surface 110 of the T-slot is to besubstantially lower than restraining surface 902 to allow the T-nut 800to pass through the T-slot freely. A clearance should exist betweentenon 610 and side surface 108 of the T-slot to provide free movement.As the securement fasteners 802 of the wedge clamp are advanced byrotation, the T-nut 800 is drawn towards the clamp by the threads of thesecurement fastener 802, until the T-nut 800 encounters the restrainingsurface 902. Continued turns of the securement fastener 802 will causethe fixed body 10 to be pulled downward as the head bottoms out withincounterbore of the fixed body 10. The table 900 is thus clamped betweenthe T-nut 800 residing against the restraining surface 902, and thefixed body 10 having bottom surface 622 secured against the uppersurface of the table 900, or top surface 116 of the base plate 100.

In reference to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 22-30 additionalviews are provided of the exemplary wedge clamp embodiments. In FIG. 22,there is depicted a side perspective view of the wedge clamp embodimentof claim 20, depicted for clarity without the T-slot table 900. In thisview, the securement fastener 802 extends out from the tenon 610 whichis along the bottom surface 622 of the fixed body 10. The threads of thesecurement fastener 802 are visible, and extend into the T-nut 800 thatwould reside within the T-slot. Also depicted in FIG. 22 is the clampingfastener 804 that is recessed within the counterbore of the sliding jaw20. Sliding jaw 20 is depicted as being fully advanced and clamped,resting against resting surface 614 of the fixed body 10, as theinclined surface 608 of the sliding jaw 20 has been slid fullydownwards, and forwards, against the parallel inclined surface 606 ofthe fixed body 10. As depicted, the serrations 602 of the clamp facehave thus been advanced to the furthest extent that the clamp embodimentdepicted would allow.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 23 there isdepicted a top view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG. 22. Asdepicted, the clamping fasteners 804 that apply the clamping force tothe sliding jaw 20 are clearly visible residing in a pair of obroundopenings 624. The obround openings are slotted so as to allow the headof the clamping fasteners 804 to travel within the slotted openings asthe clamp is secured or loosened by the turning of clamping fasteners804, where the advancing or retracting movement of the clamp face is aresult of the sliding jaw movement directed by the sliding of theinclined planes against each other (with reference to FIG. 19). Alsovisible in the embodiment of FIG. 23 are the fasteners 612 which serveas jack bolts, and the securement fasteners 802 that secure the fixedbody against the T-nut 800.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 24, there isdepicted a front view of the exemplary clamp embodiment of FIG. 22. Asdepicted, the clamp face provides a plurality of serrations 602, thatmay serve to grip and secure the work piece as the clamping mechanism isactuated. Also shown are the dual tenons 610, and T-nuts 800. Thedepicted clamp is a dual slot clamp, providing a large clamp face thatmay be utilized to secure a work piece.

As has been previously mentioned, the clamping actions provided by thefasteners and inclined planes may be employed in a variety of clampembodiments. For example, merely be replacing the sliding jawembodiment, the nature of the clamp may be changed. For example, FIG. 25depicts a side view of an embodiment of a serrated hard jaw clamp 600A,as has been previously described, also shown in the perspective view ofFIG. 28. FIG. 26 depicts an alternate embodiment, in side view, of theclamp where the sliding jaw is that of a soft jaw clamp mechanism 600B,also shown in perspective view in FIG. 29. The smooth faced, soft jawclamp exemplary embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 26 and 29, mayoptionally be machined to be provided with the profile of the clamp facecorresponding to the workpiece. Alternatively, the clamp face may beleft square, with a smooth face, for clamping against a suitableworkpiece without marring the surface, as would otherwise be likely withthe application of the clamp face embodiment having serrations. FIG. 27depicts still another alternate embodiment, in side view, of the clampwhere the sliding jaw is that of a low profile clamp 600C, also shown inperspective view in FIG. 30. The low profile clamp exemplary embodimentprovides a protruding clamp face of low profile that can grip theworkpiece when clamped, yet provide adequate clearance such that theentirety of the workpiece surface may be machined, and may beneficiallynot encounter the clamp mechanism. As shown, the protruding clamp facehas a height dimension that is approximately one third of the overallheight dimension of sliding jaw 20. The protruding clamp face may have aheight dimension that is in the range of 50% to 15%, in the range of 40%to 20%, in the range of 35% to 25% of the height dimension of thesliding jaw. The protruding face should have a height dimension that isadequate to resist the compressive forces when applied, so as to ensurethat the protruding face would not significantly be deformed or bucklewhen applied against a workpiece by the clamping forces. It iscontemplated that the low profile clamp embodiment may have theprotruding element that protrudes forward out of the sliding jaw anamount that is equal to the height of the protruding face, thuspresenting a protrusion:height ratio of 1:1. The protruding portionallows the sliding jaw to be somewhat setback away from the workpiece,and provides clearance from the machining tools, so as to mitigate thepotential of the machining tools colliding with the low profile clamp600C. The actual dimensions of the protrusion portion of the low profileclamp 600C will vary with the dimensions of the clamp, but it isanticipated that the protrusion:height ratio referenced above willpreferably be around 1:1, and may be in the range of 2:1 to 1:4, or anycombination in between, and would be largely dictated by the user needs.Note that in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 30, the fixed bodymay also be revised, so as to allow the sliding jaw to rest directlyagainst the table 900 surface, rather than against the resting surface614 of the fixed body; thereby further lowering the overall profile ofthe low-profile clamp embodiment. In this particular embodiment, it iscontemplated that the clamping fastener 804, for use in the low profileclamp embodiment would be threaded into a fastener receiving throughhole of an extended t-nut 800 residing in the T-slot, correspondinglybelow the fixed body, where the T-nut is configured with dual fastenerreceiving through holes so as to receive both the securement fastener802 and clamping fastener 804, and is of a length that extends withinthe T-slot in a direction towards the clamp face, to receive theclamping fastener 804. Alternatively, it is contemplated that theclamping fastener 804, for use in the low profile clamp embodiment maybe threaded into a fastener receiving through hole of an extended tenonportion of the fixed body, where the tenon extends within the T-slottowards the clamp face, so as to extend at least to receive the clampingfastener 804. It is contemplated that, in the low profile clampembodiment of FIGS. 27 and 30, the clamping fastener 804 may be directedinto a secondary T-nut that may reside within the T-slot at a point atwhich the clamping fastener 804 may be received and such that thesecondary T-nut allows the clamping fastener to be threaded downwards,and thereby pull the sliding jaw downwards, and driven forwards alongthe wedge slope. In the embodiment of a low profile clamp where thesliding jaw is configured to rest against the surface of table 900, thejack bolt fasteners 612 when advanced in a direction towards the table900 will encounter the upper surface of the table 900, or base plate100, as appropriate, whereupon continued turning of the jack boltfasteners 612 will result in the sliding jaw being elevated, similar tothe operation of the jack bolts in previously described clamps. Themechanical wedge clamping function of the Serrated Hard Jaw Wedge Clamp600A, Soft Jaw Wedge Clamp 600B, and Low Profile Serrated Hard Jaw WedgeClamp 600C are equivalent, as all rely on the sliding of inclined planesacross each other at wedge slope angles, as has been previouslydescribed, to effectuate the clamping action.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 31, there isdepicted a single slot serrated hard jaw wedge clamp 600D. The singleslot wedge clamp may be utilized in combination with, or independent ofthe fixed distance dual slot embodiments of clamps previously discussed.Additionally, the single slot wedge clamp of FIG. 31 may be utilizedwithin any of the slots of known machine tool T-slot tables. The singleslot clamp of FIG. 17 as depicted is the single slot serrated hard jawwedge clamp 600D, though, it is contemplated, as with the various dualslot clamp embodiments previously described, the sliding jaw of thesingle slot clamp may instead be a single slot form of the soft clamp,or low profile clamp embodiments discussed previously. As before, theclamping is effectuated by tightening of the clamping fastener 804,which causes the sliding jaw 20 to slide the inclined plane surface 608against the inclined plane surface 606 of the fixed body 10, to causethe clamp face to be advanced toward the workpiece and simultaneouslypulled downwards, in order to grip and secure a workpiece against atable.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 32-40,there is shown an embodiment of a pivoting clamp 500, comprising thefollowing major components: a fixed body 60, a pivoting jaw 50, and aplurality of fasteners 520 and 522.

The fixed body 60 of the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 32provides a generally T-slot profile shape, and provides a pivot jawcradle configured to reside at the top of the T-slot shape. The fixedbody is provided with a plurality of fastener receiving threaded holes526 and 528 (visible in FIG. 34) extending into the fixed body in avertical direction when the pivoting clamp is residing in a horizontalT-slot table or base plate, additionally, the fastener receivingthreaded holes are arranged transverse to the upper and lower surfacesof the fixed body. Arranged in the upper region of the fixed body 60,there is provided the jaw receiving cradle, having a curved backstopwall 508 surface, and a jaw rest planar surface 524 for the pivoting jaw50 to be rest against. The jaw rest planar surface 524, when in use,should be in the same plane as the upper surface 906 of the T-slot table900, or upper surface 116 of the base plate 100 as appropriate. As canbe seen in FIG. 34, the curved backstop wall 508 surface is transverseto the jaw rest planar surface 524 of the jaw rest. As will bediscussed, the pivot jaw cradle is configured to receive the pivotingjaw 50. There is provided a clamping fastener receiving threaded hole526 in the jaw rest planar surface 524. A threaded clamping fastener 520is directed through the pivoting jaw 50, and threaded into the clampingfastener receiving threaded hole 526. The threaded clamping fastener 520provides a threaded body and a head having a greater outside dimensionthan the threaded body. In an embodiment, the threaded fastener may beany known threaded fastener having a head, for example a bolt, screw. Inan embodiment, the threaded clamping fastener 520 is low profile capscrew. In this manner, the pivoting jaw 50 may be movably secured inposition at the top of the fixed body, within the jaw receiving cradle,as the threaded body of the threaded clamping fastener 520 is directedthrough a non-threaded through hole or slot provided in the pivotingjaw, such that the pivoting jaw is free to move in a vertical direction,as well as pivot around the threaded body of the threaded fastener. Inan embodiment, the head of the threaded clamping fastener 520, is unableto pass entirely through the opening in the pivoting jaw, and further,the head provides a lower surface 532 that can be applied against thepivoting jaw as the threaded clamping fastener 520 is advanced into thefixed body 60. In an embodiment, the opening in the pivoting jaw 50 isprovided with a counterbore, such that the height of the head of thethreaded clamping fastener 520 may fit at least partially, or entirelywithin the counterbore of the pivoting jaw 50, but the head is unable topass through the opening completely; thus the underside of the headwould apply pressure to the shoulder within the counterbore, and thehead can remain within the counterbore and provide a lower profile tothe pivoting clamp. The counterbore is of a radial dimension that islarge enough to accommodate the relative movement of the pivoting jaw asthe clamp face is advanced or retracted, and, in an embodiment, thecounterbore is a slot partially extending between the serrations and theradius edged surface 506. The clamping fastener receiving threaded hole526 is at least of a depth that is able to accommodate the length of thethreaded clamping fastener 520 extending into the fixed body 60 when thethreaded fastener is fully threaded, but may optionally extend throughthe entirety of the fixed body. In an embodiment, the top of the headwithin the counterbore of the pivoting jaw would be in alignment with,or optionally reside in alignment below the top plane 504 of thepivoting jaw. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 32, the fixed body60 has a lower region provided in a profile similar in profile to thatof a T-nut, so that it may be movably placed within a T-slot, as hasbeen described previously. Thus the lower region of the fixed body isable to reside in a standard T-slot, as can be seen in with reference toFIG. 32. Elongated member surface 510 provide a shelf substantiallyparallel to T-slot restraining surface 902, which prevents fixed body 60from being lifted upward beyond surface 902 of the T-slot. An elongatedmember surface 518 is substantially perpendicular with the t-slot tabletop plane 906, said elongated member surface 518 extends upward untilsurfaces 524 and 906 are substantially co-planar. A radius edge formingthe backstop wall surface 508, is formed as part of an elongated memberat the top of the pivoting clamp that is configured to extend laterallybeyond the width of the T-slot opening and have clearance betweenparallel surfaces 514 and 906 (as depicted in FIG. 36), such that thefixed body may be slidably moved within the T-stop slot. As depicted inFIG. 32, the fixed body 60 may be provided with chamfered edge surfaces512 at the profile corners, and may beneficially ease insertion of thefixed body into the T-slot, and further may aid in removal of the fixedbody if contaminates are present from machining operations.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 32-40, the pivotingjaw 50 will now be discussed. The pivoting jaw 50 may provide aplurality of hardened serrations 502, configured to grip the workpiecewhen applied there against. In an embodiment, the serrations may beuniform in nature, and arranged transverse to the pivoting jaw's topplane 504. The pivoting jaw may further provide a fastener receivingthrough hole, cylindrical or obround in nature extending here through,as well as a radius edged surface 506, and a top plane surface 504 whichis the highest point of the pivoting clamp assembly, when clamped. In anexemplary embodiment, the pivoting jaw 50 is nearly rectangular, havingtwo opposing lateral surfaces that are parallel to each other, aclamping edge that is perpendicular to each of the lateral surfaces, andat the opposite end away from the clamping edge serrations, there isprovided an edge providing a curved profile. In an embodiment, thepivoting jaw 50 is provided as a slightly tapered body when viewed incross section, as depicted in FIGS. 34 and 35, having a greater heightdimension away from the serrations 502, and slightly tapering in adirection towards the serrations 502. The amount of taper in the crosssection profile must not be so steep that the taper would interfere orprovide too thin an amount of material below the counterbore that thematerial would be unsuitable for the head of a clamping fastener 520 torest against and exert a clamping force against. In an embodiment, atleast approximately ⅓^(rd) of the jaw thickness of material shouldremain below the counterbore, at its thinnest point, in the pivoting jaw50, though this may be adjusted with fastener sizes, and the anticipatedtorque applied. The extent of the taper in the pivoting jaw maysubstantially increase once beyond the counterbore, as depicted in FIGS.34 and 35, the taper changing to a steep slope towards the serrations502 and the top plane of the pivoting jaw 50. At the end of the pivotingjaw opposite the serrations, the pivoting body is formed having acompound radius curve, where there is a radius edged surface 506,depicted in FIG. 36, where each of the curves making up the compoundradius curve can readily be seen with reference to FIG. 37 in top view,and further a radius curve portion, also readily seen with reference toeither of FIGS. 34 and 35 in cross section, where the radius edgedsurface 506 is approaching the jaw rest planar surface 524 of the fixedbody. The compound radius curve as viewed in the top view, of FIG. 37,has a center point corresponding to the center of the clamping fastener520, where the radius curve allows the pivoting jaw to pivot about theclamping fastener 520, within the backstop wall surface 508, so as toallow the pivoting jaw to be directed in a range of angles on eitherside of the axis aligned with the T-slot. In an embodiment, the pivotangle is at least 50 degrees, at least 45 degrees, at least 40 degrees,at least 35 degrees, at least 30 degrees, on either side of the T-slotaxis. Additionally, the compound radius curve can be seen incross-section profile in FIGS. 34 and 35. With reference to FIG. 35, theradius edged surface 506 may have a linear portion that abuts againstthe backstop wall 508 when the pivoting jaw clamp is in an elevatedposition, and unclamped. As the clamping fastener 520 is advanced intothe fixed body 60, the head of the fastener encounters the pivoting jaw50, and causes the pivoting jaw to pivot towards the jaw rest planarsurface 524 of the fixed body, whereupon the curved region of the radiusedged surface 506 abuts against the backstop wall 508, causing thepivoting clamp to be levered forward at the same time the serrations 502are drawn down, thereby providing both clamping pressure and restrainingpressure against the workpiece. In this manner, the profile of radiusedged surface 506, when viewed in cross section of FIG. 34, may act as acam mechanism, where the protruding rounded surface upon encounteringthe backstop drives the pivoting jaw in a clamping direction. Theclamping actions will be discussed in further detail below.

Again, referring to FIG. 32 the plurality of fasteners will now bediscussed. In an embodiment, clamping fastener 520 is a low-profile capscrew extending here through the pivoting jaw 50. In an embodiment, thesecurement fastener 522 is a set screw extending here through the fixedbody 60. The securement fastener 522 may be threaded into threadedsecurement through hole 528, provided in the fixed body 60, thesecurement through hole 528 being configured to extend to the lowersurface of the fixed body 60, such that the securement fastener 522 maybe completely threaded through the fixed body, and protrude below thefixed body, as will be discussed. It is contemplated that alternativefasteners may be employed instead of a set screw as shown; for example,a fastener having a head and threaded body portion may be employed, ifthe dimensions of the fastener are appropriate for securing the fixedbody within the T-slot.

The method of setting up and using the pivoting clamp 500 depicted inFIGS. 32-36 will now be discussed. FIG. 33 is side perspective view ofthe pivoting clamp, and indicates a side cross-sectional view of FIGS.34-35 if cut vertically in a plane along the dashed line depicted. Inuse, a workpiece would be placed upon the Base Plate 100 or table 900,as appropriate. One or more of the pivoting clamp would be deployed foruse by positioning the fixed body 60 in close proximity to theworkpiece, by being advanced within a T-slot towards the workpiece. Theclamping fastener 520 would be threaded away from fixed body 60,allowing the pivoting jaw 50 to move vertically and pivotably upon theclamping fastener 520 body. The pivoting jaw 50 is tilted upwards, awayfrom the fixed body, and above the top parallel plane as can be seen inFIG. 35, and the fixed body 60 would then be positioned such that thehardened serrated teeth 502 contact the periphery of the workpiece. Thepivoting jaw may have to be pivoted so that the serrated teeth 502 areall arranged against the work piece, or a maximal number of the teethwould be encouraged against the workpiece. At this point, the securementfastener 522 (for example, the set screw) would then be applied untilextended out the bottom of the fixed body, and advanced toward t-slotbottom surface 110 as depicted in FIG. 32. The securement fastener 522should be advanced further out of the fixed body 60 to contact thebottom surface 110 of the T-slot, and continued advancement of thesecurement fastener 522 will lift the fixed body 60 vertically untilelongated member surface 510 contacts t-slot restraining surface 902.This contact between the substantially parallel surfaces serves toimmobilize the fixed body 60. Referring back to FIG. 35, the clampingfastener 520 would then be applied, drawing downward through thefastener receiving through hole in the pivoting jaw 50, and into fixedbody 60, advancing into the clamping fastener receiving threaded hole526. The pivoting jaw 50 is provided with radius edged surface 506 thatare radiused to allow the pivoting jaw 50 to pivot within the fixed body60 matching radius of backstop wall surface 508, and also pivot abovethe jaw rest surface 524. As clamping fastener 520 is advanced, and theunderside of the head of the fastener, having surface 532 contactspivoting jaw 50 counterbore surface 530, the serrations 502 at theclamping edge of the pivoting jaw 50 are drawn downward and forward, asbackstop wall surface 508 does not allow radius edged surface 506 toprotrude beyond the backstop wall 508. Continued advancement of theclamping fastener 520 will cause the pivoting jaw 50 to continue to bedrawn down until the top plane surface 504 of the pivoting clamp issubstantially parallel or approaches parallel with the jaw rest planarsurface 524 of the fixed body, as depicted in FIG. 34, and in frontperspective view in FIG. 40. This drawing down motion creates a greatdeal of force, both downward and forward as fixed body 60 has beenimmobilized within the T-slot, as well as clamping against a workpiecewhen placed against an opposing pivoting clamp, or workstop. Thisdownward and forward force causes the hardened and serrated teeth 502 toreside firmly against, or may pierce the workpiece outer periphery,effectively immobilizing the workpiece. Referring to FIG. 36, at leastsome clearance should exist between fixed body 60 bottom elongatedmember surface 514 and top plane surface 906 of the t-slot, so as toallow the pivoting clamp 500 to be movable within the T-slot, prior tosecurement fastener 522 being applied. Furthermore, fixed body 60 jawrest surface 524 should be substantially coplanar with upper T-slotsurface 906 of the T-slot table, or upper surface 116 of base plate 100,as appropriate. This coplanar relationship allows pivoting jaw 50 to berotated within radiused edge of the backstop wall surface 508, whilebeing supported where the pivoting jaw is extended beyond fixed body 60jaw rest surface 524 as can be seen in FIG. 36. The top view of thepivoting clamp 500, as depicted in FIG. 37, depicts the travel extentsof this pivoting rotation of the pivoting jaw 50, by sliding the radiusedged surfaces 506 and backstop wall surface 508 against each otherrespectively, while still being supported by surface 906 of the T-slotsurface the pivoting clamp is secured in, for example, the base plate100, or the upper surface 116 of the T-slot table, as appropriate.

FIG. 41 depicts the use of an exemplary embodiment having a plurality ofpivoting clamps 500 positioned within T-slots on a surface 900, thoughit is contemplated that any of the base plate 100 embodiments describedherein may be employed similarly. As shown in FIG. 41, there areprovided 3 pivoting clamps corresponding to those described withreference to FIG. 33, configured to clamp an unconventional workpieceshape that would typically require custom workholding to secure as themajority of the workpiece sidewall surfaces suitable for clamping arenot in parallel or perpendicular alignment with the T-slots. Theclamping of the sidewall surfaces is beneficial where the workpiece isto be facemilled, and the tooling must be able to work the entire faceof the workpiece, and must be clamped in a manner that will notinterfere with milling any portion of the face of the workpiece. Asdepicted, there is one sidewall surface that is disposed perpendicularlyto a T-slot, as depicted in FIG. 41, where the other two sidewallsurfaces are at an angle other than perpendicular or parallel to theT-slot. Typically, where there is a need to effect the clamping ofsidewall surfaces on workpieces having angles askew of the parallel orperpendicular alignment with the T-slots, there would be requiredspecialized custom workholding to be created. By employing the pivotingclamp exemplary embodiments described herein, the workpiece is able tobe secured by applying a plurality of clamps delivering opposing forcesto the exterior periphery of the workpiece. In the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 41, the use of 3 pivoting clamps, where each pivotingclamp force is counteracted by a pair of pivoting clamps, alignedcollectively in opposition to the other clamp; as depicted here, theopposition force is created by staggering the pivoting clamps 500 at120° increments relative to the shape to be secured. It is contemplatedthat more or less of the pivoting clamp embodiments may be employed tosecure a workpiece, using only the pivoting clamps described herein, orin combination with one or more of any of the clamps described here in,or as known in the art.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 42-49, there isdepicted a T-slot work stop 300. The T-slot work stop as shown generallyhas the following major components: a work stop body 80, and a work stopfastener 90.

Referring to FIG. 42 the work stop body 80 will now be discussed. Thework stop body 80 is comprised of a cylindrical upper portion 310 whichis to be substantially round in horizontal profile and in an embodimentis uniform when viewed transverse to the top plane of the cylindricalportion. In an embodiment, the cylindrical upper portion 310 is a rightcircular cylinder, as this shape would beneficially provide a similarrest point for the workpiece to be placed against, regardless of theangle in which the work stop is rotated, when placed within a T-slottable. In another embodiment, the upper portion of the body may be afrustum of a right circular cone, where there may be a need forclearance between the upper face of the workpiece and the work stop body80, but still provide a reliable rest point for the workpiece to beplaced against. It is contemplated that in an embodiment, the upperportion of the body may be any shape suitable for the work piece to belocated against, including multi-faceted prisms of, as non-limitingexamples, triangles, rectangles, pentagons, and hexagons, among otherssuitable shapes. The work stop body 80 further houses a fastenerreceiving through hole 324 arranged transverse to the top plane of thework stop and extending here through. The work stop body 80 is providedwith a lower portion that when viewed in end on profile, as depicted inFIG. 43, appears substantially rectangular, and when rotated by adetermined amount, the end-on profile takes on a profile similar to thatof a T-nut, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 47. The lower portionof the work stop body 80 is provided with a plurality of chamferededges, 306 and 312 acute to the right plane surfaces 314 of the workstop body 80. In an embodiment, the lower portion of the work stop body80 may also be provided with a plurality of chamfered edges minor thatare obtuse to the right plane surfaces 314. The work stop body 80 mayfurther be provided with a plurality of elongated planar surfaces 302that are parallel to the work stop top plane, and transverse to, andextended between, chamfered edges 306 and 312.

Again, referring to FIG. 42, the work stop fastener 320 for use with theT-slot work stop 300 will now be discussed. The work stop fastener 320may be a threaded body, for example, a set screw. As depicted, work stopfastener 320 has threads on at least a portion of its length andconfigured to be threaded into the fastener receiving through hole 324,which is at least partially internally threaded to receive the work stopfastener 320, as can be seen in FIGS. 43-45. The work stop fastener 320,in an embodiment is to be substantially flat on the bottom, or mayoptionally be provided with a recessed drive feature, so as toaccommodate a drive tool to thread the work stop fastener 320. Inanother embodiment, both the upper and lower surfaces of the fastenermay be provided with a recessed drive feature.

The method of setting up and using the T-Slot Work Stop 300, as depictedin FIGS. 42-49, will now be discussed. In an embodiment, a workpiece isto be placed upon a base plate 100 as depicted in FIG. 14, having a topplane forming an upper surface 116. The T-slot work stop 300 of FIG. 45Bwould then be assembled, by directing the work stop fastener 320 intothe fastener receiving through hole 324 in the work stop body 80. As thework stop has a through hole that is configured to extend through thebody, the fastener may be directed into the body via an opening providedin the top surface of the cylindrical upper portion, or via an openingprovided in the bottom surface, and threaded upwards at least partiallyinto or through the lower portion of the work stop body 80. At least aportion of the through hole 324 within the work stop body 80 featurescorresponding threads, so as to receive threaded work stop fastener 320.In an embodiment, the work stop fastener 320 would be threaded upwardfrom the bottom surface of the work stop 300. The fastener through hole324 in the top surface of the upper cylindrical portion may serve as anaccess point into which a drive tool, such as an allen wrench or otherfastener driver, may be inserted from the top plane of the work stop, toengage a corresponding drive feature in the fastener that has been atleast partially threaded into the work stop body 80. As can be seen inFIG. 46, there is depicted an internal hexagon drive feature, though itis contemplated that the drive feature may be of any variety that issuitably driven by axial rotation, including by way of example, but notlimited to, slotted and cruciform drives, triangle, square and hexagondrives, torx drives, and variations thereof. The drive tool can then berotated, so as to draw the fastener downward or upwards in the work stopbody 80. While the work stop fastener 320 is substantially drawn intothe through hole 324, and within the work stop body 80, the T-slot workstop may then be inserted into the T-slot from the open end of theT-slot. Alternatively, the work stop 300 may be inserted anywhere alongthe T-slot channel, as depicted in FIGS. 46 and 48, by rotating the workstop 300 so as to align the narrow width of the work stop 300 with thetop opening of the T-slot, and lowering the work stop 300, passingthrough the upper opening of the T-slot until the lower portion of thework stop body 80 is residing within the T-slot channel. Additionally,by rotating the work stop 300, shown here in a clockwise direction, thework stop 300 will be angled such that the longer dimension of the lowerportion of the body will ensure that at least a portion of the lowerportion of the work stop body 80 is underlying the restraining surfaces902 of the T-slot, as depicted in FIGS. 46, 47, and 48, so that theelongated planar surfaces 302 of the work stop body 80 would beunderlying the T-slot restraining surfaces 902. Additionally, whenrotated in this manner, the chamfered edge surfaces 306 (lower) and 312(upper) would be in contact with the T-slot sidewall surfaces 106 and108, respectively. In this rotated orientation, the work stop 300 lowerportion of the body 80 would be retained within the T-slot, as the workstop 300 would be prevented from being withdrawn upwards out of theopening extending along the T-slot. The cylindrical upper portion of thework stop 300 would remain exposed above the surface of the base plate100, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 47 and 48. However, theT-slot when rotated as described may still be slidably moved within thelength of the T-slot. The T-slot work stop 300 may be positioned in thedesired location, within the T-slot, so as to provide a reference pointon the work surface due to the projecting cylindrical upper portion ofthe work stop 300, or may be abutted to the workpiece, thereby providinga repeatable reference point. Referring now to FIG. 47, there isdepicted a front view of the work stop 300 having been rotated withinthe T-slot, so as to extend the dimensions of the workstop and beretained within the T-slot. As depicted here, the work stop fastener 320is accessed from the top plane via a drive mechanism inserted into theopening at the top surface of the work stop, and the drive mechanism isrotated, so as to draw the fastener downward, advancing the fastener outof the work stop body 80, and causing work stop fastener 320 to contactt-slot surface 110. Continued rotation of the fastener upon the threads,will result in an upward jack force being applied against the work stopbody 80, as the fastener is in contact with the T-slot bottom surface110, thereby incrementally raising the work stop with each turn of thedrive tool. The upward movement of the work stop will cause theelongated planar surfaces 302 to contact t-slot restraining surfaces902, preventing the T-slot work stop from being lifted further, andsecuring the work stop in place as the substantially planar surfaces of302 and 902 are pressed together by the jacking force of the work stopfastener 320. The secured work stop 300 may be seen with reference toFIG. 47, and also in FIG. 46 in top plan view. The use of the work stop300 has been described with reference to securing the work stop 300within a T-slot of a base plate 100 embodiment, but may similarly bedeployed in a standard T-slot table 900.

In an exemplary embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 49, a workpiece isshown being located by the T-slot work stop 300. In the depictedembodiment, the work stop cylindrical upper portion 310 is capable ofbeing machined. For example, the cylindrical portion may be made ofmetal capable of being machined, such as aluminum, brass, or steel.Alternatively, softer material, such as polymers and plastics may beemployed for the cylindrical portion of the work stop body 80. In anembodiment, the machineable material may be left in an annealed state,so as to allow machining of the work stop 300, if additional clearancesare needed. As has been described, the work stop may preferably be of adesign that requires clockwise rotation to secure the workpiece withinthe T-slot, as in this application, the cutting force experienced by thework stop 300 as it is milled would be directed into the rotationalstop, in this case, the T-slot wall surfaces. The clockwise motion ofthe cutter, along with the clockwise motion of the tool's path alsoreferred to as climb milling, are of a direction that may help toprevent the T-slot work stop 300 from being dislodged during machining.In an embodiment, the T-slot work stop can be hardened for anon-machinable embodiment that is more resistant to wear.

With reference to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 50-60, there isdepicted a T-slot chip guard 200 and use thereof, as will now bediscussed. Referring to FIGS. 50 and 51 and embodiment of the T-slotchip guard is shown in perspective and end-on profile views. In anembodiment, the T-slot chip guard 200 consists of an elongated formhaving profile as seen in FIG. 51, where there is a body provided with apair of extended leg portions that are extending in a direction awayfrom the concave top surface 202. As shown, the legs may be separated bya concave under-surface 210 which is of a smaller radial curve than theradial curve of the concave top surface 202. The sidewall 206 of theprofile is generally planar and dimensioned to fit alongside a T-slotsurface 906 (see FIG. 52). In an embodiment, the chip guard 200 isformed entirely of a compliant material that is conformable, such thatit may be compressed to fit within the range of anticipated manufacturetolerances for various sized T-slots.

In an embodiment, the chip guard 200 is a compliant and/or compressiblematerial that possesses shape memory, such as an elastomer, for example,natural or synthetic rubber or elastic sponge material, which upon beingsubjected to a deforming force, would seek to return to its initialshape after release of the deforming force. In an embodiment, the chipguard 200 is made by way of non-limiting examples, in part, or in whole,of: silicone rubber, latex, natural or vulcanized rubber, neoprenepolypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon,polytetrafluorothylene, polyetheretherketone, Delrin™, or acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS). Though less preferred, it is contemplated that,in an embodiment, the chip guard may be made of metal, such as aluminum,steel, brass, or alloys, though care must be taken to prevent galvaniccorrosion, that would occur between mismatched metal materials incontact with one another. In those embodiments, one or more of thecontacting surfaces may be treated or coated, such as by anodizing thematerial, or applying an insulating coating, so as to prevent the damageto the worksurface that would occur with corrosion. In thoseembodiments, where the chip guard is made of a material that isgenerally incompressible (e.g., metals or harder and stiffer plastics)may be provided with flexibility by ensuring that the body portion ofthe chip guard (i.e., the portion of the chip guard between the topsurface 202 and the under-surface 210) is of narrow dimensions so as toprovide adequate flexibility to the chip guard. Alternatively, in anembodiment where the chip guard is formed from an incompressiblematerial, such that the embodiment of the chip guard is not sufficientlyflexible to be manually compressed and placed into the T-slot throughthe upper slot opening, it is recognized that the chip guard may beslidingly advanced into the T-slot via the end profile opening, as analternative placement method to being placed in a vertical directionthrough the long slot opening at the top of the T-slot, as can be donewith a more compliant material. If work holding is already in placewithin the T-slot, access may be unavailable from the end of the t-slot.It is not uncommon to miss a step placing workholding or othercomponents, when setting up for machining a workpiece. In thoseembodiments where the T-slot chip guard is a proper fit, they may beinstalled from the top of the slot (i.e., top down insertion), assumingthe tolerance of the manufactured T-slot is within acceptable limits. Itis contemplated that various embodiments of the T-slot chip guardsdescribed herein will accommodate different sizes of openings, includingas a non-limiting example, both a 0.625″ and 0.6875″ opening. In anembodiment, the profile of the chip guard is such that it can beextruded to form an elongate body, to form varying lengths of chip guardmaterial. As can be seen in FIGS. 50 and 51, in an embodiment, the chipguard provides a body presenting a top surface 202 that may be slightlyconcave. The concave top surface may serve to provide resilientflexibility to the body of the chip guard when sidewalls 206 arecompressed inward during insertion of various embodiments of the T-slotchip guard. as can be seen in FIG. 57, which depicts the ability of thechip guard embodiment to be readily compressed by pinching the peripheryedges of the chip guard 200 together, which allows the chip guard to beinstalled by hand.

Referring again to FIGS. 50-51, in an embodiment, a concaveunder-surface 210 forms an inside radius of the chip guard, separating apair of extended leg regions on either side of the concave under-surface210. The concave surface may also serve as a flexure point, which allowssidewalls 206 and lower radius edges 208 to be compressed together, suchas by pinching, thereby bringing each of the legs toward each other, andflexing each of the concave under-surface 210 by tightening the insideradius, and causing the concave top surface 202 to be less concave, oreven become convex while pinched. In an embodiment, there may beprovided at the top corners of the chip guard a pair of edge radiussurfaces 204, depicted as an elongated radiused members where the topsurface 202 is extended beyond the plane created by the edge surface ofthe sidewall 206. Each of the edge radius surfaces 204 may beneficiallyserve to prevent the chip guard 200 from being inserted into the T-slottoo far as it is being placed, as the edge radius surfaces 204 are torest against the upper features of the T-slots in the T-slot table orbase plate, as appropriate, at the junction of the T-slot and the uppersurface. In some embodiments of the T-slot, whether in a base plate, ora standard T-slot table, the T-slot embodiment may provide a surfacechamfer 904, in these embodiments the edge radius surfaces 204 may restagainst the surface chamfer when the chip guard 200 is inserted.Notably, the edge radius surfaces 204 should not rest above the planecreated by the T-slot table surface, as any material that extends abovethe table surface may interfere with the placement and securement of theworkpieces for milling.

In an embodiment, depicted in end-on profile in FIG. 51, the elongatedmembers that appear as legs for the chip guard 200 may feature a lowerradius edge 208 that extends out beyond the plane created by the edgesurface represented by the sidewall 206. In this embodiment, the lowerradius edge 208 of the chip guard 200 may acts as stop as well, as thelower radiused edge may beneficially prevent the chip guard being pulledout of the t-slot when undesired. As can be seen with reference to FIGS.52-53 the edge radius surface 204 of the guard can be seen to abut thet-slot surface chamfer 904, thereby preventing insertion of the chipguard further into the T-slot in a vertical direction, and maintain thechip guard at a level that would be substantially parallel with the topsurface of the t-slot table or base plate, as appropriate, albeit withslight depressions extending along the length of the chip guard, towardsthe middle extent of the chip guard top surface, owing to the concavenature of the top surface 202. Furthermore, the edge radius surface 204ensures that any gap created between the T-slot and the chip guard issealed by the extending lip, in order to prevent swarf or debris frompenetrating into the T-slot. As depicted in FIGS. 52 and 53, the chipguard, when in place within the T-slot, positions the lower radius edge208 below the T-slot sidewall surface 108, and extending laterallyoutwards in the crossbar of the T, and be pressed against a lower T-slotchamfer 908, if present. In this manner, the chip guard is physicallysecured within the T-slot, as the lower radius edge 208 extendslaterally beyond and below the sidewall surfaces 108 of the T-slot, andwould have to be compressed in order to be removed vertically out theT-slot. Thus the embodiment of the chip guard 200 provides a safeguardfeature to prevent from the T-slot Chip Guard 200 from being pulled outof the T-slot inadvertently.

In an embodiment, the edge surface of the sidewall 206 is generallyplanar, and extends in approximately a vertical direction, where thechip guard is placed horizontally. The sidewalls 206 should besufficiently compressed by the t-slot sidewall surfaces 108 while thechip guard is inserted into the t-slot, so as to hold the chip guard 200firmly within the T-slot, and maintain the top surface 202 of the chipguard in a position that is substantially parallel to the t-slot topplane, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 52 and 53. In anembodiment, the chip guard is a conformable material, being readilycompressible like a sponge, and resilient, so as to be able to conformto T-slot grooves of metric and imperial equivalents concurrently, asthe flexible, compressible, and resilient nature of the material allowsit to adapt the chip guard for use with T-slots of either size standard.Though the edge radius surfaces 204 will lie substantially planar withthe top of the T-slot, against chamfer 904, the concave top surface 202of the chip guard 200 should lie slightly below the top plane of theT-slot channel as depicted in FIG. 53. It is undesirable to have anyinterference or protrusions within the top surface plane of the t-slotchannel, as such interference can cause a workpiece to not lie flat, andthus be out of parallel on the top plane of the base plate or tablesurface, which would affect the quality of the machined piece. In anembodiment, the material from which the chip guard 200 is made, inaddition to being deformable or compressible, and resilient, should alsobe able to withstand temperatures that the chip guard may encounterduring the machining processes. For example, the chip guard may beexposed to elevated temperatures as swarf created by turning or millingcan be hot, and may even create steam when cutting fluid is utilized;thus the chip guard may beneficially be made from a temperatureresistant material that is suitable for the placement in the T-slot asdescribed, such as silicone rubber. Alternatively, the chip guard may betreated to provide enhanced temperature resistance or chemicalresistance, as will be discussed.

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 55-56, various embodiments of thechip guard 200 as described herein may readily conform or be easilyadjusted to conform to different shapes within the t-slot. For examplewhere the T-slot table or base plate provides a rounded terminal end tothe T-slot, or alternatively, the terminal end is formed as either achevron or an inverted chevron, the chip guard 200 may beneficially bereadily adjustable or conformable to the non-planar termination of theT-slot. In this manner, the chip guard may ensure that a sealing surfaceis provided to abut to the end of the t-slot. Alternatively, the chipguard may be able to be adjusted or conform to an object placed into theT-slot, such as a clamp, or a work stop, including any of theembodiments described herein being utilized within the t-slot. Where thechip guard is to be adjusted by trimming or shaping of the chip guard,the use of simple hand tools, such as cutting blades, or scissors may beemployed. It is contemplated that hand shaping may be helpful, to tearoff a portion of the chip guard, or alternatively to deform a portion ofthe chip guard, which may resiliently seek to re-expand to itsnon-deformed shape while placed into the T-slot, such that the shapememory creates a conforming seal to the dimensions of the T-slot. Theuse of the chip guard that seals well within the T-slot may beneficiallyprevent the occurrence of cutting fluid and/or swarf from entering thet-slot leads, which would otherwise result in the interchange ofworkpieces, or the cleanup of the working surface taking more time andeffort, as the groove fills and may blocks access to the insertion ofitems into the T-slots.

With reference to FIGS. 58-59, the installation of an exemplaryembodiment of the T-slot chip guard 200 will now be discussed. Upondetermining the placement of the workpiece and the workholding elementsto be utilized, the various embodiments of the chip guard describedherein can be installed to a base plate 100, though a T-slot table maybe similarly employed. A length of chip guard material longer then thegroove or slot it is to be installed in may be provided. A utility knifeor scissors would then be used to trim the chip guard to length. Usingone's fingertips, the chip guard may then be compressed, by pinching andinserting simultaneously into the t-slot groove. As depicted in FIG. 59,the use of chip guards 200 placed into several of the t-slot grooves,and shield those grooves from swarf entering into the T-slots that areguarded by the placement of the chip guard 200. By way of contrast, anygroove left unprotected by the placement of a chip guard 200 thereinwould quickly fill with swarf, and rendering the groove unable to beutilized. The process of removing swarf from t-slot grooves is oftentime consuming, and is exasperated by workpieces requiring multipleworkholding operations. A wash down hose, compressed air wand, or swarfbrush can be used to remove the swarf from the top surface of the chipguard readily, and will not damage the chip guard, such that the worksurface is able to be quickly used again.

In an embodiment, the chip guard 200 as depicted in FIG. 60 may featurethe application of a flexible bonded extreme temperature resistant stripfor applications where the swarf created may exceed the temperaturestypical to machining with cutting fluid. It is contemplated that thetemperature resistant strip may be in the form of an adhesive backedfoil strip that can easily be applied to the chip guard surface, but isof a narrow enough dimension so as to not interfere with the placementof the workpieces onto the T-slot table or base plate. It iscontemplated that the temperature resistant strip may be applicable insituations where the workpiece is being subjected to dry machining,which is machining without the aid of coolant, which is common inmachining steels. It is contemplated that the foil strip may be bondedto the chip guard 200 prior to, or after installation to the t-slotgroove. In an alternate embodiment, it is also contemplated that thet-slot chip guard could be manufactured of a material that may be lessresistant to heat or chemicals than previously described embodiments,but may attain the same, or nearly the same levels of heat and/orchemical resistant properties by the application of specializedcoatings, such as fluoroelastomer coatings, as are known in the art.Such coatings may be applied to provide chemical and heat reflectivitycharacteristics often only found in silicone or more expensive rubbercompounds, and allows the use of less expensive, or more readilyavailable materials.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the work holding systemcomponents may be of any suitable material compatible with the use ofthe component. The base plate and clamp components may be made of ametal, polymer or composite material. In an embodiment, the clampcomponents are made of aluminum, or steel or combinations thereof, forexample, the clamp body components may be aluminum, and the fastenersmay be steel, or vice versa. It is contemplated that any of theworkholding system components made of metal may be of hardened steel forlongevity, where appropriate. In an embodiment, the base plate is madeof aluminum, steel, which may optionally be hardened. In an embodiment,clamp components, and the work stop, may be made of metal, for example,steel or aluminum, brass, or metal alloys, either in part, or whole. Inanother embodiment, the plate or clamp components may be made ofpolymer, such as polycarbonate, nylon, polytetrafluorothylene,polyetheretherketone, polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin™), or ABS, so longas the material is suitable for forming the clamping body and possessesadequate stiffness to perform the function of the clamp.

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing theinvention. Many other embodiments and fields of use for a modularworkholding system, and the components thereof contributing to theinvention are possible and within the scope and spirit of the invention.It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the inventionis given by the appended claims, together with their full range ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongated T-slot protective device comprising:an elongated member having: a body; a pair of sidewalls; and a pair oflegs; wherein the protection device is placeable into an elongatedopening of a t-slot, and covering the elongated opening to preventdebris from entering the T-slot formed in a work surface.
 2. Theelongated T-slot protective device of claim 2, wherein the body has anupper surface with a concave profile.
 3. The elongated T-slot protectivedevice of claim 2, further comprising a pair of substantially planarsidewalls terminating in an upper radiused surface and a lower radiusedsurface, and each of the pair of legs being separated by a concaveundersurface.
 4. The elongated T-slot protective device of claim 3,wherein the concave profile of the upper surface presents a first radiusof curvature, and the concave undersurface presents a second radius ofcurvature that is smaller than the first radius of curvature.
 5. Theelongated T-slot protection device of claim 3, wherein each of the upperand lower radiused surfaces extend laterally beyond a plane defined bythe pair of substantially planar sidewalls.
 6. The elongated T-slotprotection device of claim 5, wherein the lower radiused surface engagesan inside surface of the T-slot that is perpendicular to the pair ofsidewalls of the protective device.
 7. The elongated T-slot protectiondevice of claim 5, wherein the T-slot has a pair of upper surfacechamfers located at the junction of the T-slot with the work surface,and said upper radiused surface of the device is configured to abutagainst at least one of the pair of upper surface chamfers, withoutextending above the plane of a T-slot work surface.
 8. The elongatedT-slot protection device of claim 7, wherein said upper radiused surfaceis configured to prevent over-insertion of the device into the T-slot.9. The elongated T-slot protective device of claim 5, wherein the pairof sidewalls are compressable, whereupon each of said pair of legs areurged toward each other.
 10. The elongated T-slot protective device ofclaim 1, wherein the device is directed into the T-slot through a linearopening at the top of the T-slot while in a compressed state, whereuponthe device resiliently seeks to spring back from the compressed state,securing the device within the T-slot in a friction fit manner.
 11. Theelongated T-slot protective device of claim 1, wherein the device is anelongated extruded member having a length that is readily adjustable byhand.
 12. The elongated T-slot protection device of claim 11, whereinthe elongated member is deformable.
 13. The elongated T-slot protectivedevice of claim 1, wherein the device is an elongated member of extrudedmaterial.
 14. The elongated T-slot protective device of claim 13,wherein the material is one of silicone rubber, latex, natural orvulcanized rubber, neoprene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate,nylon, polytetrafluorothylene, polyetheretherketone, polyoxymethylene,or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
 15. The elongated T-slot protectiondevice of claim 1, further comprising a temperature resistant strip thatis bonded to a top surface of the device.
 16. The elongate T-slotprotection device of claim 1, further comprising a coating that isapplied to at least a top surface of the device.
 17. The elongate T-slotprotection device of claim 16, wherein the coating is a fluoroelastomercoating providing temperature resistant qualities.
 18. The elongateT-slot protection device of claim 16, wherein the coating is afluoroelastomer coating providing chemically resistant qualities.